Category: News

As Carpinteria Seal Watch gears up for the upcoming season, the organization will hold orientations for new and returning volunteers. Orientations will be held on Thursday Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., and on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. via zoom. Pizza will be served at the in-person orientation. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one weekly two-hour shift on the blufftop overlook above the rookery. While the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits approaching marine mammals year-round, Carpinteria Seal Watch will be monitoring the harbor seal sanctuary during pupping season from Jan 1- May 31, as it has for 32 years. If interested in volunteering, email CarpSealWatch@gmail.com or call (805) 684-2247.

The harbor seal rookery beach closure, which is designed to protect the seal population during pupping season, starts today, Dec. 1. The rookery is located near the base of the Casitas Pier, and the closure applies to 750 feet to the east and west of the pier. Please use the bluff top trail and do not enter the beach past the beach closure signs. Generally stay far away from the Casitas Pier. This closure is important to protect the Carpinteria Harbor Seals that may be ready to have pups and to prevent disturbances that could lead to pup mortality. This closure is consistent with the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violators can be fine $10,000 per occurrence. For more information, contact the City of Carpinteria at (805) 684-5405.

Bob Walsmith Jr., the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors’ outgoing president, received a proclamation from the Carpinteria City Council at its Nov. 28 meeting. The honor recognizes Bob for his many contributions to the organization, which has served the communities of Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Goleta and Gaviota for 115 years. During Bob’s presidency in 2022, he organized a variety of fundraising events, including raising $53,000 for Jodi House. He also participated in important outreach programs, work groups, speaking engagements and efforts to address the housing affordability crisis.

At its meeting on Nov. 28, the Carpinteria City Council recognized Nona Hulick with a resolution in honor of her 100th birthday. Nona moved to Carpinteria in 1999 after spending winters in the area for years. She began volunteering as a dispatcher for HELP of Carpinteria in 2010, making it possible for non-driving Carpinteria residents to remain in their homes and maintain their independence far beyond the time when they can no longer drive. Every Thursday afternoon Nona continues to volunteer as a HELP of Carpinteria dispatcher and is well known for her sunny disposition and her caring customer service. Nona says that her greatest accomplishment is her family: daughters Barb Goodridge and Kathy Hulick, son Bob Hulick, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Construction of the Winter Berm at the City Beach is now underway and is expected to be completed by Dec. 6. The sand dune is built annually between Linden and Ash avenues to protect public and private properties from winter storms and high surf, especially during the king high tides of December, January and February. For safety reasons, the area where the bulldozer is working is closed to the public. Members of the public are also reminded to be cautious when at the beach during high surf conditions, when large waves can suddenly sweep over previously dry areas. In a normal winter, the berm will be removed in early March, but if the winter has been severe and the beach is badly eroded, the berm may stay up later in the spring season.

Carpinteria Community Library invites young and old (and everyone in between) to come out for Frosty Fest, a winter-themed party on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at 5141 Carpinteria Ave. The community event will feature fun family activities that are free for all. At 2 p.m. that afternoon, the library will close to participate in the Holiday Spirit Parade, which starts at 3 p.m. on Linden Avenue.

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m. In accordance with State guidance, the City will provide both in-person and virtual attendance and participation options for the meeting.

Members of the public may attend the meeting at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. or view the meeting live at www.carpinteria.ca.us, on Government Access Television Channel 21 or by logging into the Zoom webinar.

The following topics are highlights of the agenda. Additional details and numerous ways for the public to provide comments can be found at http://bit.ly/3F4bhdo. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.

• Adoption of a resolution honoring Nona Hulick on her 100th birthday.
• Proclamation recognizing 2022 Outgoing Santa Barbara Association of Realtors President Bob Walsmith Jr.
• Ratification of Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District’s adoption of the 2022 California Fire Code with amendments.
• Annual Report of the City’s Development Impact Fee Program and updating the Capital Improvement Plan.
• Recommendations for the establishment of active adult/senior programming services in Carpinteria as supported by data collected through a survey.
• Review and consideration of the land lease between the UPPO’s Garden, LLC and the City of Carpinteria for a portion of the property located at 399 Linden Ave.
• Consideration of amendments to the City of Carpinteria’s Short Term Rental Administrative Policies and Procedures, which clarify and implement the City’s Short Term Rental regulations.

The City of Carpinteria wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. City Hall is closed today and tomorrow, Nov. 24 and 25. Also, the Carpinteria Community Library and Community Pool are closed Nov. 24 and 25 so that our staff may enjoy the holiday.

The City of Carpinteria will hold its final ABOP Collection event of 2022 on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. At ABOP, residents can bring antifreeze, batteries, oil and paint for free disposal. Additionally, the City accepts up to three small household electronics (for example, microwaves, televisions, handheld devices), compact fluorescent lightbulbs, and fluorescent light tubes (limit six) and mercury based thermostats. This event is free of charge to residents. Please keep items separated and only bring those items that are accepted. If you have items not listed above, please visit lessismore.org or hold them until the City’s annual Household Goods and Hazardous Waste Day.

Carpinteria Valley Water District is projecting a potential 30% water supply shortage if drought continues. As a result, CVWD Board of Directors approved Ordinance 22-1 declaring Stage 3 drought condition and new watering restrictions on Nov. 9. Visit CVWD.net for information on the drought, summary of new watering restrictions, available rebates and conservation actions.

*Photo courtesy of County of Santa Barbara shows Lake Cachuma at 31.6% of capacity on Nov 14, 2022.